Crafting Thoughtful Wedding Invites During A Pandemic

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and the COVID-19 pandemic has added an extra layer of complexity for couples looking to tie the knot. From safety protocols to guest lists, there are many factors to consider when it comes to wedding invitation wording during the pandemic. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate this tricky situation.

Safety protocols and vaccination requirements

Vaccination Requirements:

It is our top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests. We kindly request that all attendees be fully vaccinated, including the booster shot, to create a safe environment for everyone to celebrate. This means completing the primary vaccination series and receiving an additional booster dose. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us make our special day a healthy and joyful occasion.

On-Site Testing:

For added safety, we will have rapid COVID-19 testing available on-site at the wedding venue. This will provide an extra layer of protection for all guests, giving us peace of mind as we gather to celebrate. We encourage you to take advantage of this service to enhance the well-being of our entire wedding party.

Masking and Social Distancing:

We respectfully ask that all guests wear masks during the wedding ceremony and reception. While we understand that masks can be inconvenient, our goal is to protect the health of everyone present, especially those who are immunocompromised or at higher risk. We also request that guests maintain a distance of six feet from one another whenever possible to further reduce the risk of transmission.

Quarantine and Testing for Guests:

To ensure the utmost safety of our guests, we kindly request that all attendees quarantine for five days prior to the wedding. This means staying at home and minimizing contact with others as much as possible. Additionally, we ask that you take a COVID-19 test before the wedding, and attend in person only if your test result is negative. We understand that quarantining may not be feasible for everyone, so we ask those who are unable to quarantine to be especially vigilant about testing and staying home if they experience any symptoms.

Virtual Attendance Option:

We understand that not everyone will feel comfortable attending in-person gatherings at this time. For those who prefer to join us from a distance, we will be live-streaming the wedding ceremony and providing a virtual option for participation. We want to ensure that all our loved ones can be a part of our celebration, whether in person or virtually. Please visit our wedding website for details on accessing the live stream and joining us online.

Flexibility and Understanding:

We recognize that the COVID-19 situation is ever-evolving, and we will remain flexible and adaptable in our planning. We will continue to monitor public health guidelines and recommendations, and we will provide updates to our guests as needed. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this dynamic situation. Our priority is to create a safe and memorable celebration for everyone involved.

Cancelling or postponing the wedding

Cancelling or postponing a wedding is a difficult decision, and it's understandable that you may feel upset, angry, or nervous about it. Here are some things to keep in mind and steps to take if you find yourself in this situation:

Understanding the Impact

Start by reviewing the current guidelines on gathering sizes and timelines to determine which events are affected. This will help you prioritize your next steps and make decisions accordingly. Remember that recommendations can change rapidly, so refer to the most up-to-date information from reliable sources.

Review Your Event Insurance

If you have event insurance, contact your insurance agent to understand your options. You may be eligible for compensation on lost deposits in case of cancellation or postponement.

Communicating with Vendors

Once you've made the decision to cancel or postpone, it's important to communicate this to your vendors as soon as possible. Create a list of all the vendors involved and review your contracts, paying close attention to the terms for canceling or postponing. Call your vendors to discuss your options, and follow up with an email to ensure you have a written agreement. Be prepared for different responses and try to be understanding and patient, as they are likely dealing with similar inquiries from other clients.

Informing Your Guests

When informing your guests about the cancellation or postponement, it's recommended to reach out to them by phone first. Written communications can sometimes be misinterpreted, especially during emotionally-charged times. Follow up your calls with a detailed email to your entire guest list, explaining the situation and providing helpful information such as accommodations, travel, and gifts. Update your wedding website with the new details as well.

Dealing with Emotional Aspects

It's completely normal to feel a range of emotions during this time. Allow yourself to feel those emotions and take the time you need to process them. Remember that your friends and family will likely be understanding and supportive of your decision. If you feel comfortable, share your emotions with them and let them know you're thinking of them as well.

Practical Considerations

If you choose to postpone the wedding, start by determining a new date that works for you and your partner. Consider the availability of your venue and vendors, as well as the impact of government restrictions. If you need to cancel, review your contracts and understand the financial implications, including cancellation policies and potential loss of deposits.

Inviting fewer guests

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples to rethink their wedding plans, with some opting for smaller, more intimate ceremonies. If you are inviting fewer guests to your wedding, here are some tips and examples to help you navigate the delicate dance of wedding invitation etiquette:

Be Subtle and Clear:

Avoid phrases that will confuse your guests. Instead of saying "save the date" or "you're invited," try something more subtle and clear, especially if you don't know the details of the day. For example, "We've set the date to say 'I do,' but our plans are still uncertain. We will be getting married on [date], but what the celebration will entail will be determined by local guidelines. We hope you can join us either in-person or virtually, so please save the date and we will follow up as we have more information."

Set Expectations:

Let your guests know that the specifics of the wedding are undetermined and that you will provide more information as the date gets closer. You can say something like, "While we are uncertain what our wedding day will look like, we are hopeful that we will find a way to celebrate with our loved ones, whether in-person or online. Please keep up-to-date with our wedding website for more information."

Be Understanding and Empathetic:

Approach your guests with empathy and love. Give them the option to opt into a virtual livestream or let you know upfront if they are unable to attend. You can include a survey with your initial invitation to understand their preferences and shape your future communications and plans. Remember that each person has their own willingness to socialise, and it is important to respect everyone's boundaries.

Provide Regular Updates:

Consider setting up a wedding website or using email updates to keep your guests informed about any changes or updates to your wedding plans. You can use online tools like Mailchimp to create email templates and send regular updates to your guests.

Be Flexible:

Flexibility is key when planning a wedding during uncertain times. Make sure to have open lines of communication with your partner, family, vendors, and guests to reduce stress and ensure everyone is informed. Remember that your guests will understand if you need to make changes or adjustments to your original plans.

Remember, the most important thing is to communicate your plans and any changes clearly and compassionately to your guests. By following these tips and examples, you can navigate the challenges of inviting fewer guests to your wedding during COVID-19.

Asking guests to wear masks

"For the safety and comfort of all our guests, we kindly request that you wear a mask during the ceremony and reception. We want everyone to feel comfortable and protected so that we can focus on celebrating this special day."

"We are so excited to celebrate our wedding with all of you! In an effort to keep everyone safe and healthy, we ask that you wear a mask during the event. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."

"While we are thrilled to be able to gather in person to celebrate our wedding, we want to ensure the safety of all our guests. We will be requiring masks to be worn indoors, except while eating and drinking. We appreciate your support in keeping our guests safe and comfortable."

"As we prepare for our upcoming wedding, the health and safety of our guests remain our top priority. To that end, we kindly request that all guests wear masks during the ceremony and reception. We want everyone to be able to relax and enjoy the celebration without worry."

"In light of the current COVID-19 situation, we want to take every precaution to keep our guests safe. We ask that you wear a mask during our wedding festivities, particularly when in close quarters with others. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding."

Social distancing and testing

Social Distancing:

• "We plan on keeping our guests six feet apart. This is far enough to avoid transmission but close enough to allow for conversations."
• "To ensure everyone's safety, we kindly request that you maintain a six-foot distance from other guests during the ceremony and reception."
• "For the comfort and safety of all our guests, we ask that you practice social distancing whenever possible throughout the event."
• "We will be setting up our event space to allow for ample social distancing. We ask that you respect these arrangements and maintain a safe distance from other guests, especially during close-contact activities such as dancing or dining."

Testing:

• "For the safety and well-being of all our guests, we kindly request that you take a COVID-19 test no more than three days before the wedding and provide proof of a negative result upon arrival."
• "To create a safe environment for everyone, we ask that all guests take a rapid COVID-19 test within 24 hours of the event and bring their negative test result with them."
• "In addition to social distancing, we are requiring all guests to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the wedding. This is to ensure the health and safety of everyone attending."
• "We ask that all guests either provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event or take a rapid test upon arrival. This is a crucial step to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone."

Frequently asked questions